IB Primary Years Programme

The PYP curriculum has an international perspective where we recognize and welcome the diversity of student experiences and backgrounds. A PYP school strives towards developing an internationally-minded person who demonstrates the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

We use an inquiry-based approach where our teaching methods build upon individual understandings, knowledge and interests, emphasizing how to learn and how to delve deeper, while developing critical thinking skills. The Units of Inquiry make up the Program of Inquiry and are developed under the IB's Transdisciplinary Themes, making learning for understanding more effective.

Each Unit of Inquiry allows the students to explore Key Concepts such as

Form: What is it like?
Function: How does it work? and
Reflection: How do we know?

Different subjects are integrated through the Units of Inquiry, but subjects are also taught as distinct learning areas.

The PYP curriculum gives students the opportunity to take an active role in their learning.

The core curriculum is taught by the Class Teacher, while Art, Music, French, Library and Physical Education are taught by Specialist Teachers. Information Communication Technology, which was previously taught by a Specialist Teacher, is now integrated into all aspects of the curriculum.

The PYP is based on five essential elements: concepts, skills, knowledge, attitudes and action.

Concepts are big ideas that children inquire into to ensure that they understand what they are learning. Concepts such as change, migration and survival drive Units of Inquiry, while concepts such as motion, rhythm and pattern drive single subject teaching at ISP.

ISP also recognises that knowledge is an important part of the curriculum. Students will gain knowledge of the transdisciplinary themes outlined above as well as the single subjects described on this page.

The PYP also requires the development of transdisciplinary skills which transcend the individual subject areas. These include thinking, communication, social, research and self-management skills.

We also aim to develop appropriate attitudes, including appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect and tolerance.

Finally, students are encouraged to apply all that they have learned by taking action, not only in the School community, but also in the wider world. Effective action is voluntary and involves the students in exercising their own initiatives and taking on responsibilities.